Jean Claude Ndenzako Karerwa, spokesman of Burundian President, receives an interview with Xinhua in Bujumbura, capital of Burundi, on Jan. 26, 2018. Sino-Burundian relations are at the best time in history, enjoying high political mutual trust and fruitful economic and trade cooperation, Spokesman of Burundian President said in an interview on Friday. (Xinhua/Evrard Ngendakumana)
BUJUMBURA, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Sino-Burundian relations are at the best time in history, enjoying high political mutual trust and fruitful economic and trade cooperation, Spokesman of Burundian President said in an interview on Friday.
The two sides have developed their relations beyond traditional friendship, Jean Claude Ndenzako Karerwa told Xinhua. "On top of multi-faceted support, China has repeatedly been against unfair resolutions against Burundi," said Karerwa.
Cooperation agreements were signed over the past 15 years in key sectors including health, education, energy and agriculture, he said.
According to him, in 2017 alone, there were "countless" achievements made by China in favor of Burundi, including the ongoing construction of the presidential palace and state house, scholarships and training sessions granted to Burundian citizens by China.
"Until now, we 100 percent appreciate the ongoing cooperation and we look forward to improving our mutual cooperation," Karerwa said.
China will host this year's Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. FOCAC can be considered as a pillar on which Burundi will continue to strengthen cooperation ties, said the spokesperson.
Chinese companies play a key role in the development of Africa's key strategic sectors like agriculture, banking, insurance, infrastructure, transport, transfer of knowledge and technologies and information and communication technologies, he said.
He further said Burundi wishes to strengthen cooperation with China in the sectors of capacity building, medical treatment and construction of hydropower dams.
China and Burundi established diplomatic relations in 1963.
